[E. Pluribus Unum]

This is offensive, not funny.

Sounds like the normal inter-branch trash-talk to me.

They aren't sissies, you know. They can take it.

Do the various branches of the US military make fun of each other?

Yes, absolutely—they rib each other constantly. This is a long-standing tradition of inter-service rivalry (or "friendly fire" banter) that's deeply ingrained in US military culture. It's mostly light-hearted, helps build unit pride, relieves stress, and reinforces each branch's distinct identity. Veterans and service members often say it's all in good fun within the military, but outsiders should tread carefully.

Why It Happens

• Different cultures and missions: Each branch has its own environment (ground, sea, air, etc.), training, and priorities, which leads to stereotypes.
• Competition for resources: Budgets and relevance are finite, so playful jabs subtly assert "We're more essential."
• Bonding and tradition: It's a way to blow off steam and show camaraderie. Jokes fly freely among service members, but it's frowned upon for civilians to join in uninvited.

Common Stereotypes and JokesHere are some classic (and recurring) ones:

• Army: "Grunts" who eat crayons (implying lower intelligence or straightforward/brute force approach). They get lost easily or rely on sheer numbers.
• Navy: "Squids" who get seasick, spend all day painting ships, or live like it's a cruise (with "sea lawyers" for bureaucracy).
• Air Force: "Chair Force" or "Zoomies"—pampered, tech-reliant, with the best food/barracks. They fight wars from comfy chairs or PowerPoint slides.
• Marines ("Jarheads"): Overly aggressive crayon-eaters who charge headfirst into everything. Super focused on tradition and esprit de corps.
• Coast Guard: Often forgotten or called "Hollywood Marines"—seen as less combat-oriented (though their rescue swimmers get respect).

Example jokes:

• The "securing a building" one: Army guards it, Marines assault it, Navy locks up and leaves, Air Force leases it with an option to buy.
• Prank wars, like Army cadets painting "Chair Force" in an Air Force stadium.
• Army-Navy football game trash-talk and videos are legendary.

This extends to the Space Force too (newer jokes often reference Toy Story or similar). It's so common that you'll see it in barracks, online veteran communities, and even official social media posts.In short, it's a big part of the military "tribal" humor—rivalries exist, but when it counts (or when a civilian chimes in negatively), they unite quickly. It's all part of the culture.

[Mariner]

This was not ribbing between branches...which DOES happen incessantly.

This is the Bee disparaging the USN.

That’s offensive.

[alexander_busek]

It recently occurred to me that, at least in the Navy / when aboard a warship during a battle, the top brass are in as much danger as the lowliest seaman.

Regards,

[fredhead]

Another joke, then a true story....

Coast Guard wears short pants so they won’t get wet when the abandon ship.

On my first ship, Nimitz, I was up on “vulture’s row” watching recoveries (arrested landing) of the air wing. I noticed next to me an Air Force pilot. He was white as a sheet with fear, watching the “controlled crashes” of Navy aircraft on the deck.